---
title: "What Is PCS? Landlord and Renter Glossary | Real Property Management Gold"
description: "PCS stands for permanent change of station, which is a service member's official military move to a new duty location, usually on written orders."
url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/pcs
publisher: Real Property Management Gold
phone: +1-301-392-2172
assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment
---

Military

# PCS

PCS stands for permanent change of station, which is a service member's official military move to a new duty location, usually on written orders.

PCS means permanent change of station. It is a service member's move to a new duty location. Military OneSource describes it as being assigned to a location for 20 weeks or more, whether the assignment is for training or a new job.

PCS orders matter to rental owners in two ways. First, a service member who owns a home may get orders and need to rent it out instead of selling. Our [military PCS rental management](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/military-pcs-rental-management) page covers that case, and it is for owners, not a tenant preference. Second, PCS orders can trigger rights under the [Servicemembers Civil Relief Act](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/servicemembers-civil-relief-act) for a service member who rents.

Orders often come with short notice. Owners on orders should line up a manager, a lease plan and a [rent-ready](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-ready) home well before the move date. Many owners also track [BAH](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/bah) for their new duty station, since housing costs there affect their plans.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.

[Read nextRenting out your home when PCS orders send you away](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/military-pcs-rental-management)

## Related terms

-   [Servicemembers Civil Relief Act](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/servicemembers-civil-relief-act)
-   [BAH](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/bah)
-   [Military clause](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/military-clause)

## Sources

1.  [Military OneSource: Personal Property Shipment for your PCS](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/preparing-to-move-or-pcs/)

## Ask what your home could rent for. Free.

A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure.

[Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)